Making Music Together!
The DYSO Program is a comprehensive musical training program for students in the Decatur area who play orchestral instruments. It is focused on building musical excellence at all stages of musical development by placing students in an encouraging and collaborative environment and presenting them with appropriate musical challenges using high-quality musical repertoire. Instruction is directed by a staff of experienced and dynamic music educators and draws from the resources of the prestigious Millikin University School of Music and the Millikin/Decatur Symphony Orchestra.
2025-26
- Rehearsals take place Monday evenings from 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in Kirkland Fine Arts Center at Millikin University. Tuition is $52 per semester (scholarships available).
- Auditions: Sept. 9, 11, and 16 at 5pm (Perkinson Music Center)
The Decatur Youth Symphony Orchestra is supported by Millikin University, the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur, and Decatur School District #61.
Schedule DYSO Audition Register for the DYSO Program
Decatur Youth Symphony Orchestra (DYSO)
The DYSO is high-quality ensemble of area orchestral musicians who are selected by audition and seek to develop their musical skills beyond their curricular music programs. Students rehearse well-known symphonic repertoire under the direction of Dr. Neal Smith, Director of Bands at Millikin University and Brianna Webb. Membership is open to music students in grades 6 through 12 who have had at least one year of experience playing an instrument.
Rehearsals take place Monday evenings from 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in Kirkland Fine Arts Center at Millikin University. Tuition is $52 per semester (scholarships available).
The Decatur Youth Symphony Orchestra is supported by Millikin University and the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur.
DYSO Staff
- Neal Smith, Co-Director
- Brianna Webb, Co-Director
- Grace Portz, String Coach
- Aaron Villarreal, Percussion Coach
2025-26 Season Calendar:
- Monday, Nov. 24th at 7pm
Winter Concert (Johns Hill Magnet School) - Friday, April 10th at 10am
PASS Concert (Kirkland Fine Arts Center) - Sunday, April 19th at 2pm
Spring Concert (Kirkland Fine Arts Center)